In the sunshine

I took the opportunity of getting the locos out today in the sun to get some jobs done that are difficult in the shed. Having completed the second set of tanks and bunker, they got attached to the running boards. I also fixed the cab front to the second loco. Below is a photo of the two locos together - at last, they really do start to look like real locomotives!!!

Tanks. . . . .

Today, I completed the tanks for tinkerbell number 2. All they need is the running boards drilling so that they can be bolted down, and they're ready to go. Over the next days, I will be drilling those holes and fitting the weatherboard. Then, its on to the bunker and roof.

Progress

The picture above shows progress to date on twin 1. The tanks are done, the bunker/cab are very nearly done (just need the coal rails adding), and it's really starting to look like a locomotive at last. Attention will now turn to building the tanks, bunker and cab roof for twin 2, before the whole lot goes to the sprayer.

A better photograph

Now that the dust has settled on the boilers, it's time to take a better photograph.

Boilers on!!

By the time the job was done, the light was fading so the photo's not great quality, but I had to take one to record the event.

Ready for the boilers

In the past couple of weeks, I have:

1) Completed the 'underneath' work on both locos (ashpans, firebar supports)
2) Fitted the smokeboxes
3) Made and fitted the running boards

So both chassis are now ready to receive their boilers. Hopefully I can get this done at the weekend.

Progress . . . .

The two smokeboxes are now complete with doors, hinges and associated closing gear. Recently, I have been fitting the ashpan to loco number 2, and this has also had the firebar supports fitted. The next jobs are to complete number 2's ashpan, then get the smokebox saddles bolted to the frames ready to put the smokeboxes on.

Smokeboxes

Well, after a few months out to build a pair of diesels, it's now tinkerbell time again. I have recently welded up the smokeboxes, and am currently busily making the associated furniture - hinges, dart etc.
The drain cock assemblies have gone in, as has the vacuum brake swan necks.
I am currently working on getting everything 'underneath' done ready to put the boilers on.
Photos and further updates to follow soon.